Ukulele Sizes – Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone, and More “If you have questions about ukulele chords, Chord Shapes has the answers.” ~ James Hill ‘Ukulele Sizes – Soprano, Concert, Tenor, and Baritone What size ‘ukulele you play means a lot visually and sonically, but almost nothing when it comes to actually playing music (except for your familiarity with the feel of the size). Different strokes for different folks. It’s a matter of personal preference what sized uke you decide to call your own. The Effect Of Size On Sound: Besides the obvious physical differences, sound tops off the list of what makes each ‘ukulele size unique. If you have Jake Shimabukuro play the same song on four different tenor ‘ukuleles of similar quality, you would notice that they are different, but not in a huge way. However, play the same song on a soprano, concert, tenor, and then baritone and you’d find a much larger range of sounds. This is due mainly to the resonating space each ‘ukulele has. The smaller the space or surface, the higher the sound.

The bigger the space or surface, the lower the sound. Think of a drum kit. Each individual drum functions in the same way, but, assuming everything else is there same, the size dictates the pitch. The ‘ukulele follows the same principle, but instead of producing one note it produces many and the size affects the general tone of the sounds produced. Also part of the picture is: Scale Length: You’re probably thinking that “scale” is a sequence of notes that go “do re me…” That’s one definition, but it also refers to the distance of the ringing string – from the nut to the saddle. The length of the scale obviously changes the spacing of the frets, but it also affects how the strings feel to play and sound. All things being equal, a long scale has more tension than a short scale. Think of a soprano ‘ukulele. It has a scale length of 13-14″ tuned to GCEA. A set of soprano strings are chosen for those tensions and measurements. But put those same strings on a 17″ tenor scale and try tuning it to GCEA and you’ll find that the tuning gets pretty tight before you reach concert pitch.

The tension and scale length also affect the tone of the ‘ukulele. A long scale gives the harmonics and overtones more room to ring and thus has a bright, chime-y sound. A shorter scale forces the overtones into less space for a thick, fuzzy tone. The scale, length, and fret specs presented below are just averages. Every luthier uses different dimensions. Soprano ‘Ukulele: Scale length: 13-14 in./Total length: 21 in. The smallest “normal” size in the ‘ukulele family, the soprano has the recognizable plinky sound that everyone associates with the instrument. If you tell someone that you play the ‘ukulele, odds are that they’ll picture you holding this size (after all, it’s the size Tiny Tim – and many other pop culture uke icons – used). Some players who rip on the soprano size are: Ohta-San, early Eddie Kamae, George Formby, and many of the old-school, pioneer Hawaiian players like Ernest Ka’ai. Pineapple ‘Ukulele: Samuel Kamaka came up with this signature variation on the soprano in the 20s.

It’s basically the same size as a soprano, but without the waist. The sound is a little bit more full due to the increased soundboard surface area. Concert ‘Ukulele: Scale length: 15-16 in./Total length: 23 in. The poor concert sized ‘ukulele is kind of the underdog on the size chart. It spans the middle ground between the soprano and tenor sizes and is loved as a compromise for those looking for something in between. Tenor ‘Ukulele: Scale length: 17-18 in./Total length: 26 in. Tenor ‘ukuleles are becoming more and more popular as people get used to the less-traditional sound. It offers the longest common scale for GCEA tuning which makes for tight strings ideal for finger picking and any application that needs a stiff response. Because of this the tenor is a popular performance instrument and it is the size of ‘ukulele most commonly found onstage. Some great tenor players are: Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta Jr., James Hill, David Kamakahi, and Brittni Paiva.

Baritone ‘Ukulele: Scale length: 19-20 in./Total length: 30 in./Usually tuned: DGBE The baritone ‘ukulele is the biggest of the lot and the unique baritone tuning requires some knowledge or quick transposing to play familiar GCEA songs. Because it’s tuned a fourth down, the baritone is like a small guitar missing the two top strings. This makes it a popular conversion instrument for guitarists looking for some of the ‘ukulele sound. Unlike the other sizes, baritone ‘ukuleles are almost exclusively strung with a low top string (linear tuning – low to high). Some of the great jazz ‘ukulele players favor the baritone size because of the big frets that allow them to squeeze chords in way up the neck (Byron Yasui, Benny Chong). Recently a couple of new tuning options for baritone have come to light. These include a high-D tuning that mimics re-entrant standard tuning at a lower pitch and also an octave ‘ukulele tuning. This oddball uses very heavy string gauges to recreate GCEA, but an octave lower than on a normally tuned ‘ukulele.

Other Sizes: With the advent of the ‘ukulele becoming so popular, companies are pushing the envelope with new ideas and building styles. Some of these include oddly sized ‘ukuleles that aren’t very traditional. Pocket ‘Ukulele/Sopranissimo Little, itty-bitty, this one. With an 11″-ish scale, a pocket uke might very well fit in a big pocket. It’s popular for traveling around, but takes some nimble fingers to fret hard chords! Sopranino ‘Ukulele Just an extra-small soprano with a scale to the tune of 13″+/-. Bass ‘Ukulele A bass ‘ukulele is essentially an oversized baritone with HUGE strings on it that are tuned to the same pitch as a traditional bass guitar – EADG. It’s much more travel friendly than an electric bass (and especially an upright!) and has a fat, thumpy tone that makes it a fun alternative to its steel string counterpart (though they are making those kind of ukes too now). Longneck/”Super” ‘Ukulele Some brave companies are manufacturing ‘ukuleles that have mismatched body and neck sizes.

This configuration allows for the ‘ukulele to have the sound of the smaller body, but with the benefits of the longer scale. Longneck Soprano/Super Soprano – A soprano body with a concert neck. Longneck Concert/Super Concert – A concert body with a tenor neck. Longneck Tenor/Super Tenor – A tenor body with a baritone – or almost baritone – neck. I think the “super” thing is probably just a marketing ploy. (Unless you wear a cape when you play.) Guitalele An ‘ukulele-sized guitar that is tuned to ADGCEA. It’s as if you put a capo on the 5th fret of a guitar. ‘Ukulele Chord Shapes Which Size Ukulele? | Ukulele Review Which Size Ukulele? There are four main sizes of ukulele. From smallest to largest, they are: Soprano Baritone What’s the best size ukulele? It depends what you want to do with it. If you like to play a lot of solo pieces, a tenor ukulele will give you more room to play and more volume.

If you’re buying your first ukulele, the soprano is the best place to start. Before too long, you’ll probably have one of each. How is the size determined? The size of the ukulele is not determined by how big it is, as such. It depends on the length of the vibrating part of the string – between the bridge and the net – also known as the scale length. Soprano – 14 inches (and under) Concert – 14 1/2 to 16 inches Tenor – 16 to 18 inches Baritone – 18 inches (and over) These aren’t set in stone. Some companies, just to confuse things further, classify their ukes differently. There are also some other, much less common sizes: Sopranino ukulele string tensions and scale lengths Strings The last table in the Sounds section is repeated for convenience in order to make a few points about stringing ukuleles. There are four courses of strings on an ukulele; each course may have as few as 1 or as many as 3 strings in it. Typically soprano and baritone ukuleles have a total of four strings.

Concert ukuleles may have the C course as an octave pair, with the second C string being higher; they may also be strung with the G note an octave lower. Tenors are the most variable in their stringing with the following combinations being most common: In Hawaii, the 4-string tenor ukulele is normally strung with the G set at 196 Hz, that is a "low" G. It is also possible to string the 4-string tenor DGBE, similar to the first four strings of the guitar, except that the D note is higher than the G in this case. This is an interesting tuning in that the air resonance of the tenor is still readily available for exciting because of the presence of the low G on the third string. 6-string tenor ukuleles are generally strung with the G at 392 Hz, an octave pair of C strings, the E at 329.6 Hz, and an octave pair of A strings with the lower A at 220 Hz.

It is also possible to have the G set at 196 Hz, but then the A strings are both at 440 Hz in order to still access the air resonance. The 8-string is nearly always set with an octave pair of G strings, an octave pair of C strings, both E strings at 329.6 and both A strings at 440 Hz. Tiple stringing will not be discussed. Tunings E (82.4) Finding quality strings is a persistent problem. Although there are probably a number of acceptable combinations, we are currently using D'Addario custom-made bass strings for the G & A strings on tenors and the D and G strings on our baritones. Savarez Alliance blue and reds in the trebles are suitable for concert through baritone sizes. We do not offer these strings as blanket recommendations but rather note that they work for our bracing and construction approach. As a general information service we have calculated the approximate cumulative tension in lbs for each size ukulele as well as the guitar and for the various number of strings associated with different models.

Cumulative Tension (in lbs) Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Ukulele Strings | The HUB Wednesday, 12 March 2014 18:41 . Tweet For a tiny investment, a fresh set of quality strings can improve or revive your ukulele’s sound. Many lower-cost ukes are shipped with less than optimal strings, and a better quality set can make a surprising difference in their sound. In this guide we will help you choose the set that’s right for your uke. One size doesn’t fit all As we detail in the Musician’s Friend Ukulele Buying Guide , most ukes fall into one of four sizes. Each size has a different scale length and string tension requirements. (The scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge.) It’s therefore important to choose a set intended for your type of ukulele. Here are the four most common ukulele sizes with their typical scale lengths, overall lengths, and most common tunings: Ukulele Type D3-G3-B3-E4 Reentrant vs. Linear Tuning As you can see from the chart above, there’s more than one way to tune most ukuleles .

In the most common method called reentrant tuning (also sometimes called high 4th or C tuning), the G string is tuned to the G above the C and E strings. You’ll see this also referred to as “high G” tuning. Because the strings cover a smaller range, reentrant tuning offers more even overall tone. Standard reentrant tuning shown on a ukulele, the music staff, and piano keys. With linear tuning (also called low 4th tuning), the G string is tuned down an octave creating a broader tonal range that some players prefer. Dissonant-sounding chords tend to ring more clearly with linear tuning. Many players feel linear tuning produces more guitar-like tone. Some ukulele string sets such as those made by Oasis are designed specifically for use with low or high G tuning. Oasis uses fluorocarbon for their high G string, giving it a bright, crisp sound. The low G string has a nylon core and a copper/silver wrap wire that imparts a warmer tone. Which leads to our next topic—the materials used in ukulele strings.

Types of Ukulele Strings While the vast majority of ukulele strings are made of various nylon polymers, there are a number of variations, each with their own tone characteristics. Nylon: Because string makers use various types of nylon polymers, sound can vary from brand to brand. The least expensive nylon strings are produced through extrusion—a process where nylon monofilament is created by pushing the molten polymer through holes of specific diameters. More costly strings are also extruded, but are then ground to produce a more consistent diameter. Ground strings tend to have a slightly more textured feel. Nylon is not affected by humidity, but temperature shifts can require you to retune. Also, all nylon strings tend to stretch more when new and take some time to “settle down.” Before attempting to adjust the intonation or fine tune your uke, it’s a good idea to give new strings some stretching time. Some nylon strings are made with polymer formulas that are intended to mimic the rounder, warmer tone of traditional gut strings. One of these polymers, D’Addario’s Nyltech strings, are designed to offer the warmth of traditional gut strings, while providing punch and tuning stability.

Fluorocarbon: This polymer, originally developed for use in fishing line offers a slightly brighter sound than nylon and is less affected by temperature changes. All types of nylon and fluorocarbon strings can be safely cut to length. Titanium: This monofilament material offers strength, durability, and a somewhat brighter tone than nylon with more projection and volume. Wound nylon strings: These have a nylon core that is wrapped with a polymer winding material and are usually found in sets intended for tenor and baritone ukuleles as the two lower strings. Some players find the finger squeaks that these string may produce objectionable. Wound metal strings: These are typically used on lower notes and larger ukuleles. The most common winding materials are copper or aluminum. They too can sound a little squeaky. Note that cutting wound strings to length may ruin them if the wrap material starts to separate from the core. Steel Strings: For the most part it’s not a good idea to attempt to string a uke with steel strings since the additional tension they exert on the top, bridge, and neck of the instrument will likely damage it. Besides, steel strings won’t produce the classic sound of a uke.

There are a few instruments such as banjoleles, guitar/uke, and dobro/uke hybrids designed for steel strings. If you’re unsure about choosing replacement strings for such instruments, consult with the manufacturer. So Which Strings are Right for Me? There’s no one answer. Two ukes will respond differently to the same type of strings. The key to finding the right set to match your instrument and playing style is to experiment. Uke strings—even the highest quality types—are quite inexpensive. By trying various string sets designed for your type of uke you can narrow down the brand and string composition that work best for you. Tip: When you restring your ukulele, make a note of the date on the package and then add any comments you may have about their tone, tuning stability, and durability as you play them. This will help you keep track of your likes and dislikes over time. Shop the complete Musician’s Friend selection of ukulele strings. After reading this guide, if you’re still unsure which uke strings are right for you, we invite you to call our friendly, knowledgeable Gear Heads at (800) 449-9128.

Learn more with our expert Musician’s Friend Ukulele Buying Guide The Ukulele Buying Guide • UkuGuides Information about the woods used What are the main ukulele brands the guide Finding the right ukulele for you can be quite difficult quest. There are all these different sizes, woods, types and brands out there on the market but it can and will be very rewarding when you find the right one. It’s not like wands and wizards (Harry Potter reference). In this guide I’ll try to explain the main differences between types of ukuleles. Follows the same main structure as Alistair Wood’s guide on UkuleleHunt . The Sizes So there are four main sizes in ukuleles. Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. More recently the sopranissimo is also gaining popularity, this one is even smaller (16 inches, 40 cm) than the soprano sized ukulele. The soprano however is the most traditional size at 20 inches (51 cm). This is the most common one and also the size that most people associate the ukulele with, it also makes that real typical classic ukulele sound.

One stip bigger is the concert ukulele at 23 inches (58 cm). The body is bigger and the neck is longer with more room between the frets, thus making it a little bit easier to handle. It has — like the soprano — that typical and classic ukulele sound and is a bit louder. The size which is the most popular lately however is the tenor sized one at 26 inches (66 cm). It strays a little bit from the ukulele sound and sounds a more deeper like a classical guitar (more ukulele than classical sound of course) than the soprano and concert ukuleles. Most professional and well known ukulele players choose for the tenor sized ukuleles (e.g. James Hill). The largest of the bunch comes it at 30 inches (76 cm) and is called the baritone. This one obviously has the deepest tone and sounds even more like a classical nylon stringed guitar. This is the least popular ukulele, since many players choose the ukulele for its size, portability and ukulele sound (and the baritone has kinda a guitar sound).

The tuning also differs from the other sizes, it has a more guitar-like tuning. The Woods If you have done a little bit of research already you’ll notice that there are tons of different woods used for ukuleles: monkeypod, mahogany, mango, koa, rosewood, cedar, acacia… I will discuss the most common ones used. Koa is thé type of wood from Hawaii and thus most ukuleles that come from Hawaii are made from koa. Koa wood has a beautiful grain, has a very warm sound and is just plain amazing. Koa wood is used on the more expensive ukuleles. The middle end ukuleles are usually made from mahogany (there are of course also more expensive solid mahogany ukuleles). Mahogany sounds a little bit more softer than a koa made ukulele, but it’s nevertheless a good type of wood choice and less expensive. Besides koa and mahogany it can be said that spruce is the most common one. Spruce is used on the lower end ukuleles (e.g. Mahalo’s). Regarding solid and laminated, the terms speak for themselves.

But simple put, solid means that the wood you see at the outside is also the wood on the inside. Laminated is cheaper than solid and means that cheaper wood is used on the inside and a small layer of better wood is used on the outside. It improves the esthetics, but won’t improve the sound when compared to solid wood ukuleles. The Brands I can’t really help you on this part, there a lot of decent quality brands out there. The most popular ukulele brands are Kala, Mahalo, Lanikai, Pono, Kamaka, Luna and Kanilea. Pono and Kanilea offer the more higher end ukuleles why Kala has a broad range with lower and higher end ukuleles. They also offer very decent starter kits. Conclusion It’s important to do good research about the ukulele you are going to buy, because you’ll probably enjoy it for many years after you’ve purchased it. As always with instruments, if possible, go try them out at your local music store. Otherwise check reviews and ask the shops what they recommend for your level.

If you are serious about wanting the play the ukulele I would suggest skipping the cheaper starter sets (going for $20-$30), but begin with a decent $50-$100 ukulele. It will make your life a lot easier (regarding tuning, intonation, etc…) and you will enjoy and pick it up a lot more! What online store do I recommend? The Hawaii Music Supply (found at // I’ve bought my limited edition Kala tenor size with a solid cedar top and golden acacia back and sides there and I absolutely love it. The transaction went very smooth and the contact with the owners is very good. I hope this guide has helped you a little bit to choose a good ukulele that you’ll enjoy playing. Hopefully you've enjoyed reading this guide. Any remarks, questions or suggestion? Use the contact form to let me know what they are! Ukulele Sizes – Soprano, Concert, Tenor & Baritone Ukulele Sizes – Soprano, Concert, Tenor & Baritone by Brett McQueen Having a hard time figuring out what size of ukulele to buy? Maybe you’re trying to figure out what size of ukulele you have?

Whatever your questions are, we’re going to look at the different sizes of ukuleles and the advantages and disadvantages to each. There are four main types of ukuleles: soprano, concert (or alto), tenor, and baritone. Soprano Ukulele Tuning: GCEA, ADF#B Number of frets: 12-15 The most common and standard type of ukulele is the soprano ukulele. It’s the smallest ukulele and is known for its thin, jangly sound so commonly associated with ukuleles. Because it’s so small, its perfect for traveling. Sometimes people with larger fingers or hands have trouble playing the soprano ukulele because the frets are closer together. Because the strings have less tension on a soprano uke, you might find it easy to accidentally bend a string out of tune. Despite these relatively minor downsides, the soprano ukulele is probably the best bang for the buck. In comparison to other types of ukuleles, it can usually be had for the cheapest price. Take a listen to how a soprano uke sounds in the following video by doogey9 .

Concert Ukulele Tuning: GCEA ( re-entrant ), GCEA ( linear ) Number of frets: 15-20 The concert ukulele, sometimes referred to as the alto, is just a little bit bigger than the soprano and some would consider it to have a fuller sound. It’s commonly tuned in standard like the soprano uke although some people will opt to tune their G down an octave ( linear tuning ). Because a concert uke is longer than a soprano, there will be more tension on the strings. This can be beneficial if you find yourself bending strings out of tune as you press your fingers down on the strings against the frets. The frets are a bit more spaced on a concert ukulele than the soprano, so folks with larger fingers might find it easier to play. There can be up to 20 frets on a concert ukulele which allows players to navigate to higher notes on the fretboard. Take a listen to the following performance on a concert ukulele by Ribbeemusic .

Tenor Ukulele Tuning: GCEA ( re-entrant ), GCEA ( linear ) Number of frets: 15+ The tenor ukulele is just a little bit bigger than the concert uke. The overall sound and tone is even fuller than it’s smaller brothers. For performers, the tenor ukulele is great because you get a rich full sound, and since you have more frets, you’re able to reach higher notes on the fretboard. Tenor ukuleles are commonly tuned in standard re-entrant or linear tuning, but some will choose to tune it lower like a baritone ukulele to DGBE. In this video, IveBenCrazy gives us a performance of “Sweet Caroline” on a tenor ukulele. Baritone Ukulele Tuning: DGBE Number of frets: 19+ The baritone ukulele is the biggest of the ukes. It’s tuned down lower to DGBE, which is equivalent to the tuning of the bottom four strings on a guitar. This is going to produce a deeper sound.

While you can still strum it like any other ukulele, you’re going to really lose that bright crisp sound that you’d get with soprano. Baritone ukes are great for blues players and fingerpickers, or those who prefer that deeper and fuller sound. In the following video, mugambismonkey gives us a performance of an original song he wrote on the ukulele called “Kiss Me.” You can really hear how much lower the baritone uke sounds in this video. What Ukulele is Best for Me? Generally, beginners will start out on a soprano uke because you can usually find a decently playable one for a low price, comparatively speaking. However, the best thing you can do is to go to your nearest music store and try out different ukuleles. What ukulele sounds best to you? What ukulele feels best to you? For some, what ukulele looks best to you? These questions are more often not answered as you start playing different kinds of ukuleles. Reader Response What’s your favorite size of ukulele? I have a tenor uke and I love it.

It gives me a nice full sound, but I still get the plunky sound when I strum it. I also like that there is a bit more tension on the strings and the frets are wider for my fingers. Share your thoughts, questions, or comments below. Not sure where to go next? Grab the free ukulele lesson book. Join over 50,000 people and get our free ukulele lesson book Your First Ukulele Lesson and Then Some. Learn new tricks like: How to properly tune, hold, and strum your ukulele The most essential "must-know" ukulele chords How to play 3 extremely versatile strumming patterns How to play "I've Been Working On the Railroad" To get a free copy of the digital lesson book delivered to your inbox, enter your email below: Ukulele Sizes - Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone and many more sizes to choose from - UKE Republic - Your online authorized ukulele dealer. Buy the best beginner starter ukuleles, mid-range, to high-end ukuleles all setup from the ukulele specialist. Come visit our Atlanta ukulele store & showroom.

Shop by Size & Style The sizes listed below are based upon averages. Sopranos & Minis are the smallest of the ukulele family and produce more treble tones compared to the warms and mid tones of the concert and tenor sizes. Baritone ukuleles are the largest size in the ukulele family and produce the deepest tone. *Tip - to achieve a deeper bass tone to any size ukulele just replace the high g string with a low g string.

11 Sopranissimo Scale (Distance from Nut to Saddle) 16 Overall Ukulele length 1-7/8 to 2-1/16 Arched Back Body depth 1-3/8 At Nut Sometimes called Bambino or Sopranino Scale length: 12" inches (30.48 cm) 12 Frets Neck width at nut: 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) Overall length: 19 inches (48.26 cm) Length of body alone: 7 3/4 inches (19.68 cm) Maximum body depth: 2 5/8 inches (6.67 cm) Scale Length: 13.5" (33 cm) Total Length: 21" (53 cm) Scale Length: 15" (33 cm) Total Length: 23" (58 cm) Scale Length: 17" (43 cm) Total Length: 26" (26 cm) Scale Length: 19" (48 cm) Total Length: 30" (76 cm) Types of Ukule

les - Get-Tuned.com APP Types of Ukuleles The various types of ukulele that are present on the market today have mainly been developed as a result of the increase in popularity of the ukulele.

Types of ukulele can be roughly categorized into three groups: standard ukulele types, hybrid ukulele types and variations of standard ukuleles. Standard ukulele types include the four main types of ukulele - the soprano, the concert, the tenor and the baritone. Hybrid ukulele types include any instrument that has been 'crossed' with a ukulele; such as the banjolele, the harp ukulele and the bass ukulele. Variations of standard ukuleles include any type of ukulele that has some kind of other variation, but is still classified under the four main types of ukulele. Variations of standard ukuleles mainly include ukuleles that vary in body shape such as the pineapple ukulele or the cutaway ukulele. A reason why the ukulele varies so much in size and shape is because low-end standard/soprano ukuleles are very inexpensive to manufacture, making it more cost-effective to produce different models. Often you can find ukuleles in different colors and shapes in music stores. This is because it is easy to make and sell cheap instrument variations.

Some comical ukulele shapes include the electric-guitar styled ukulele, and the more traditional pineapple shaped uke, which you can occasionally find painted to look like an actual pineapple! Many of the various types of ukulele are quite different from each other, and they produce radically different tones. The ukulele has always been quite a social instrument which is perhaps part of the reason why the tenor, baritone and bass ukuleles were developed - in order to fill out the sound (by adding in lower-ranged notes) when ukes are played together. The ukulele has undergone some significant changes during its lifetime, and like most stringed instruments is quite individualistic in quality. Different makes of the same basic type of ukulele will have different tones, depending on the quality of the woods used and the specifications of the instrument. As such, it is important to shop around for a ukulele when you decide to buy one, so that you find the right ukulele to suit you.

Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone (from smallest to largest) The soprano ukulele is also known as the standard ukulele because it is the closest in size to the original ukuleles made in Hawaii in the late 1800's. The soprano ukulele is the most well-known ukulele, and the vast majority of music stores will stock them. The soprano uke is usually around 21 inches long, and has only 12-15 frets depending on model. This gives it the smallest playing range of all of the ukulele types, with a twelve-fret model having a range of only twenty-two half-tones (C4-A5). The soprano ukulele is favored as a learner instrument for children because of its small size and thus the small distance between frets. This makes chord positions much easier for small hands to reach than compared with a child-sized guitar. The size of the soprano ukulele also makes it the perfect travelling companion for musicians who like to take to the road. However, the small soprano can also be harder to play for people with larger hands, who may struggle to navigate around such a condensed fretboard.

The soprano ukulele is standard-tuned to the re-entrant tuning of G4-C4-E4-A4. Most commonly, the soprano ukulele is outfitted with nylon polymer strings, which help to give the soprano uke the classic up-beat and harshly thin timbre that it is known for. The soprano ukulele is a common ukulele to start with because there are plenty of relatively low-cost and beginner-friendly models on the market at the moment. There is also an abundance of free online learning resources that cover material specifically for beginner soprano ukulele players, as well as great tools for beginner players like our own Ukulele Tuner and Ukulele Tuning App . Intermediate and advanced players are well-catered for too, so it is possible to upskill on the soprano ukulele without spending much money on lessons, music or other materials. The Soprano is sometimes tuned a step higher in order to maintain a more traditional sound. To learn more about the tuning of the ukulele, check out our How to Tune the Ukulele article. Concert Ukulele The concert ukulele is the very similarly constructed big sister of the soprano ukulele.

The concert uke therefore maintains many of the same stylistic features as the soprano ukulele, and sounds much more similar to the soprano than to the tenor or the baritone ukulele. The concert ukulele is usually around 23 inches long; with a slightly bigger body than the soprano, which produces a somewhat richer, warmer tone. The concert uke usually has somewhere between 15 and 20 frets, depending on model. This gives the concert an extended playing range over the soprano ukulele, making it a preferable choice for ukulele soloists. The longer body of the concert means that the frets (especially those near the nut, which are more commonly played), are spaced further apart - and so the concert ukulele is considered to be easier to navigate for people with slightly larger hands. The extra room on the concert ukulele, along with its extended range, allows players to perform more technical skills on the uke while still maintaining the classic 'soprano-like' sound of the original Hawaiian ukulele.

The concert ukulele is standard-tuned to the same re-entrant tuning in the same octave as the soprano (G4, C4, E3, and A4). Like the soprano, the concert uke is also most commonly outfitted with nylon polymer strings, which maintains the continuity of sound between these two types of ukulele. The concert comes in as the second least-expensive model to pick up from a music store, with most low to mid-range models of concert ukulele being similarly priced as low to mid-range sopranos. As the tuning of the soprano and the concert are the same, the two tend to share learning resources; however there is also music especially for the concert which takes advantage of the extended range of this type of ukulele. Tools such as our Ukulele Tuner and Ukulele Tuning App work just as well with concert ukuleles as they do with sopranos! The concert ukulele is more suited to performing advanced ukulele playing techniques, like the ones mentioned in our How to Play the Ukulele article.

Tenor Ukulele The tenor ukulele is like the big brother of the soprano, being slightly deeper in tone and bigger than both the soprano and the concert ukuleles. The tenor ukulele is stocked in some music stores; however others may have to order the tenor in for you as it is not as popular as either the soprano or the concert. The tenor ukulele is usually around 26 inches long, has between 15-25 frets, and has a significantly larger body than the soprano and the concert. While the playing range of the tenor is very similar (if not the same, in some cases) as that of a concert ukulele, the tone that the larger body of the tenor produces makes it very different in sound quality to the concert and the soprano. The tenor is sometimes snubbed for not having the same 'ukuleleish' sound or feel as a soprano; however it has been embraced by many ukulele performers because of its increased projection and warm tone, which make the tenor perfect for solo acoustic performances.

The frets on the tenor are spaced further apart than on the soprano and concert, making it slightly harder to play (or easier to play - depending on the size of your hands). If you are a beginner player, you will usually be advised to start on the concert or the soprano ukulele, however the tenor does suit some players much better, so it is best to pick up a tenor and try it yourself before you decide - regardless of the advice of others. The tenor ukulele has two types of standard tuning, however in order to switch from one type to the other you will need to change the strings (or at least the G-string) on your ukulele. The two types of standard tuning for the tenor ukulele include the 'normal' re-entrant G4-C4-E4-A4 tuning, and the octave-lower G-string linear tuning of G3-C4-E4-A4. The linear tuning of the tenor ukulele increases the range of the instrument and creates a more full-bodied sound, whereas the normal re-entrant tuning keeps more of the characteristic ukulele flavor.

Both high and low-G tunings have their advantages, so it is a good idea to identify what kind of tuning would suit your playing goals and style best before you decide on one. Tenor ukuleles are most commonly strung with nylon polymer strings, or with a mix of nylon polymer and metal wound strings. The usages of the two basically boil down to personal preference, with some preferring the more traditional sound made by the nylons to the warmer, metal-wound strings. Tenors are more expensive than their soprano and concert counterparts, due to their larger design. Learning resources can be found for the tenor freely online, however not in quite the same abundance if using linear tuning. Check out our How to Tune the Ukulele article to learn more about how the Tenor is tuned. Baritone Ukulele The baritone ukulele is often viewed as being more like a guitar than a ukulele as not only is it tuned using linear tuning, but its strings are tuned the same as the top four strings of the guitar. The baritone ukulele is usually around 30 inches in length and has upwards of 18 frets, depending on model.

The linear tuning gives the baritone the greatest range of any of the ukulele types. It is a much bigger instrument than the soprano, tenor or concert, and is often used by guitarists who wish to learn the ukulele, or by ukulele players who would eventually like to progress on to playing the guitar. The baritone ukulele is standard-tuned to D3-G3-B3-E4, and therefore requires completely different music and chord charts from the tenor, concert and soprano ukuleles (although the chord shapes will be the same on the baritone ukulele, the chord names will be different). The baritone ukulele can be strung with either nylon polymer strings or a combination of nylon polymers and metal wound strings, depending on personal preference. A metal wound string will give a warmer tone to the baritone uke, whereas nylon polymer strings will make the baritone sound more 'ukuleleish'. The baritone ukulele is the most expensive ukulele to buy, because of its larger body.

Also, there aren't as many free learning resources covering how to play the baritone ukulele as opposed to what is available for the tenor, concert and soprano, making it a less-desirable starter instrument for many who look at playing the ukulele - despite its bridging ability between the ukulele and the guitar. Baritone ukuleles are often used by blues players, and they tend to suit male singers better than the high soprano or concert in most cases. Hybrid Ukulele Types Recently, another style of ukulele has been developed which has further diversified the ukulele market. Ukulele hybrids - a mixture of the ukulele, and another instrument (like the bass guitar or banjo) have been developed. Previously, these instruments would not have been possible to construct, but due to advancements in technology and the development of different synthetic materials, instruments like the bass guitar ukulele (or the bass ukulele) and even the violin-ukulele have been developed.

Hybrids are harder to come across in music stores, although the Bass ukulele is particularly popular as it covers exactly the same range as the bass guitar (but is usually acoustic or semi-acoustic) Therefore it can be used as a 'practice bass' which means the bass player does not need to take a full sized, heavy electric bass and amp traveling. Also, the Bass ukulele is useful in ukulele orchestras, which are becoming increasingly popular too. Hybrid ukuleles are types of ukulele that have been engineered to include a number of features typically associated with a different instrument. Hybrid instruments are usually made in order to create a different style, sound or feel to music with an instrument that previously didn't exist. Some ukulele hybrids, like the bass ukulele, are beginning to grow in popularity due to social factors (in the case of the bass ukulele, the popularity of ukulele orchestras has seen an increase in the numbers of bass ukulele manufactured and sold). Other hybrid instruments are made for pleasure, and very small numbers of the instrument are manufactured or sold.

Bass Ukulele The bass ukulele is a hybrid uke which is essentially a small, acoustic version of a bass guitar. Tuned to the same octave as a bass guitar, (E3 A3 D4 G4), this ukulele can have either thick polyurethane strings, or wound ones - although the polyurethane strings are the most common. The polyurethane strings of the bass ukulele have made quite an impression on bass musicians as these strings produce a unique sound which is of a similar depth to that produced by an upright bass. The bass uke is becoming more popular as it is an easier-traveling instrument than the bass guitar (and doesn't compromise on sound), and because it fills out the low-range sound in a ukulele orchestra or treble-based performance group. Bass ukuleles are currently sold with or without frets. Banjo Ukulele The banjo ukulele has the string set-up of a soprano ukulele, but with the body of a banjo. Otherwise known as the 'banjolele', the instrument became reasonably popular in the 1920's, and more models of the hybrid instrument are currently being manufactured.

The banjo ukulele retains some of its classic banjo sound, with a definite ukulele undertone. Harp Ukulele The harp ukulele combines elements of harp and ukulele. Sometimes a harp ukulele will have unfretted strings (like those of a harp) attached to the ukulele with a bridge extension. There are, however, quite a number of different ways in which the harp ukulele has been engineered in order to include aspects of both harp and ukulele. The harp ukulele was first developed in the 1910's, with inspiration drawn from the harp guitar hybrid. The harp ukulele is still quite an uncommon instrument to come across; however a number of different luthiers have experimented with the harp ukulele, mainly during periods when the popularity of the ukulele has peaked. Guitar Ukulele The guitar ukulele combines elements of the classical guitar and the tenor ukulele in an instrument known as a 'guitalele'.

With six-strings and a small body, the guitar ukulele is a relatively common instrument for a hybrid which is both portable and easier to play for children than a normal-sized guitar. Yamaha is known to be a current manufacturer of the guitar ukulele. Lap Steel Ukulele There are various ways to put a lap steel ukulele together, which combine characteristics of lap steel with the ukulele. However, lap steel ukuleles are relatively uncommon. It is possible to play in the style of lap steel (holding the ukulele on your lap and using a metal slide called a steel) with a standard type of ukulele that has high string tension (otherwise known as high 'action'). Variations of Standard Ukulele Types There are lots of other kinds of ukulele that you may like to investigate. There are many body variations on the traditional soprano uke, and preference on each type of body mainly boils down to personal opinion.

Here we have highlighted some of the variations of ukulele you are likely to come across, however this is not a complete list - it pays to note that different types of ukulele are developed all the time, and the popularity of each type can come and go, depending mainly on who is picking them up and playing them! Sopranino/Piccolo Ukulele The sopranino ukulele (also known as the piccolo ukulele) is a tiny ukulele, with only around 10 frets. The sopranino ukulele is usually tuned an octave above the baritone ukulele (D5-G5-E5-A6) and is manufactured by some large instrument companies, so is quite widely available. While the sopranino could probably be described as a main type of ukulele (due to its significant difference from the other main types), it is not commonly used and is mostly viewed as a novelty instrument.

8 String Ukulele The 8-string ukulele is set up rather like a mandolin or a 12-string guitar in that it has 4 sets of 2 pairs of strings, which can be tuned in several different ways, depending on the individual ukulele set-up. An 8-string ukulele can be tuned with the string pairs in the same octave as each other, with each string pairs all an octave apart, or (most commonly) with a mix between the two types of tuning. The most usual 8-string mixed-tuning for a soprano, concert or tenor 8-string is: G4-G3, C3-C4, E3-E3, A4-A4. Tuning this way helps maintain a characteristic ukulele sound while still fleshing out the range. 8-string ukuleles are mainly used for strumming rather than picking. Pineapple Ukulele The pineapple ukulele has a half-pineapple shaped body in place of a regular-shaped body. While the pineapple body feature is sometimes thought of as a novelty addition to the ukulele, it actually produces a louder sound (and stronger resonance) than the traditionally-shaped ukulele.

The pineapple ukulele body-shape is widely available on soprano and concert ukuleles, though not as popular on the larger types of ukulele. Cutaway Ukulele The term 'cutaway' is used to describe a string instrument where the right-hand shoulder has been 'cut back' in order to make playing on the top frets of the instrument easier. Cutaway ukuleles can usually be found in music stores, as this stylistic feature is commonly added to all four main types of ukulele - though it is more commonly found on the concert, tenor and baritone than on the soprano. Electric Ukulele Ukuleles can produce sound electronically either through using a pick-up or a plug-in, or by being designed as a fully-electric instrument without a resonant body. Pick-ups or plug-ins on ukuleles are quite common, whereas fully electric instrument are a little rarer, possibly due to their lack of flexibility (and price) as compared to a semi-acoustic.

You may wish to use an electric ukulele, or a pick-up with your usual acoustic uke if you perform in front of a large audience, or if you perform in an area with low acoustics where sound can easily be 'lost' (for example, outside). What odd kinds of ukulele have you come across? What is your favourite type of ukulele? Let us know in the comments below! Lessons, Songs, Books, Links and Ukulele Resources view listing J. D'Addario & Company, Inc. D'Addario's first factory was in Lynbrook, New York, and the initial staff consisted of only five employees. As always, it was a real family operation with John, Sr., John, Jr. and James leading the company's growth and business plans. James' wife Janet helped to design packaging, heading up what would eventually become the company's art department. The printing facility was still a strong support for the fledgling company, providing a steady source of income as the family developed their superior line of strings. The D'Addario reputation for service and quality served them well as they tapped into the market with their own products.

Aggressive marketing strategies would help their product line gain popularity, and the staff of five quickly multiplied to fifteen. view listing D'Angelico Guitars John D’Angelico was born in Little Italy, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the oldest of four children, to a hard working, God-fearing Italian family in New York. Music was in his blood, and at age 9 he was apprenticed to his grand uncle Signor Ciani, a violin and mandolin maker. His apprenticeship with these instruments became the basis of construction principles he later incorporated in his archtop guitars. view listing GHS Strings Innovation has been a key for us since 1964 when our company founders brought a wealth of string making experience to a small family-owned business. Now, 35 years later, as a top brand in the global market GHS Strings is staffed with dedicated personnel trained and experienced in string technology. Our continuous innovation can be seen in such areas as our ìBrightness Barî (found on select string packages and designed to show what strings will produce which tones), our close collaboration with key artists (who often actually provide direct input during the string design process for Signature strings), and our ongoing efforts to create new and exciting product.

view listing Guadalupe Custom Strings Fourteen years ago Francisco Gonzalez, a very accomplished and knowledgeable musician himself, set out to design strings that would "respect the aesthetics, traditions and musical uniqueness of each instrument and the cultures they represent." His time and dedication produced the basic formulas the artisans of Guadalupe Custom Strings use to create strings that maintain a reputation for their exceptional quality, durability and craftsmanship. view listing Hannabach Strings Werner Hannabach, the son of Adolf and Elisabeth joins the company in 1962. In 1965 he marries Maria (Maridi) Schwaiger whom he met during a holiday in Austria. Maridi joins Werner in the management of the company and they build up the company to what it is today. Their two sons Uwe (1966) and Jörg (1971) are involved in the company from their early ages. While Jörg decides to follow a career as a musician, Uwe again follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and carries on with the family tradition of string making. In 1991 Uwe joins the company and in 1995 becomes the General Manager of Hannabach.

view listing Hilo Strings Hilo strings for ukulele are precision ground to close tolerances. This helps them stay in tune and play in tune. They are made from Tynex, which is more resistant to moisture than nylon. view listing Ko'olau Guitar and Ukulele Company Ko'olau Guitars and `Ukuleles are professional quality, hand crafted instruments. The shop is located in Kaneohe, on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii, approximately fifteen minutes from Honolulu, at the foot of the the beautiful Ko'olau Mountains . view listing Lanikai Ukuleles Lanikai Beach is located in Lanikai, meaning "heavenly sea" in Hawaiian is a neighborhood within Kailua, on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii. This small 1/2 mile beach has been consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. view listing C. F. Martin & Co., Inc. Martin's steadfast adherence to high standards of musical excellence, mixed with experienced management, has largely accounted for the company's remarkable longevity. Marketing methods and product mix have changed at Martin over the years, but the company attitude towards guitar building has never varied.

In the preface to the 1904 catalog, Frank Henry Martin explained to potential customers, “How to build a guitar to give this tone is not a secret. It takes care and patience. Care in selecting the materials, laying out the proportions, and attending to the details which add to the playerâ€™s comfort. Patience in giving the necessary time to finish every part. A good guitar cannot be built for the price of a poor one, but who regrets the extra cost for a good guitar?” Almost eighty years have passed since Frank Henry Martin authored this statement of policy, but it still is an accurate expression of Martinâ€™s ongoing commitment to quality. view listing Savarez S.A. Benefiting from the most recent discoveries, the classical guitar strings (three trebles strings made at first of plain gut and basses strings made of copper wound on silk (later on silver plated copper wound on silk)) have evolved into the use of monofilament nylon called plain nylon for the three trebles strings and of silver plated copper wound for the three basses strings. view listing Strings By Aurora Strings by Aurora is proud to bring their line of colored guitar strings to guitarists throughout the world.

Aurora produces top of the line guitar strings that combine tried and true winding methods with the latest technology â€“ producing the most brilliant and durable colors and coatings. Strings by Aurora, manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut, are the ONLY guitar strings that are made entirely from domestic components; truly 100% made in the USA. We use top-grade materials, fabricated from our own rod, sealed with our patented enamel coatings, and precision wound. All processes are meticulously over-seen by our master craftsmen, drawing on 60 years experience. The result is a truly unique product that is available in a multitude of colored and clear coated sets that sound as good as they look! view listing Ukulele Creations `Ukulele Creations is a comprehensive music program based in Southern California, developed by six- time GRAMMY award winner, Daniel Ho, and Jason Arimoto, Ph.D. view listing Worth Strings by Worth Creation 100% Fluoro-carbon Ukulele Strings “Worth Strings” is made of an special material called Fuluoro carbon. The features are a clear sound and a good balance, so it can be adaptive not only for solo play but also for stroke(strumming) play.

Therefore, despite “Worth Strings” is higher price many people choose them, because the length is longer than other company’s string, and you can get two from one of our strings sets as long as normal size ukulele.

Question: How many strings are there on a normal sized ukulele?
Answer: 4